More birds on the Vistula islands. Gulls and plovers gain protection

Tree cutting and installing electric fences do not usually sound like ecology, but it is precisely thanks to such actions that the population of breeding birds on the Vistula islands is growing, including rare species of gulls, terns and plovers. Nests are better protected, there are more chicks, and their chances of survival are increasing.

Vistula islands as a European-level bird refuge

The natural accumulation of sand and gravel means that islands form on the Vistula, most often taking the form of sandy shoals. These are not only an interesting element of the riverside landscape, but above all extremely important habitats for waterbirds that typically build their nests directly on sand.

Bare, vegetation-free beaches surrounded by water are optimal breeding grounds for species such as the common gull, black-headed gull, common tern, little tern, common ringed plover, little ringed plover and oystercatcher. However, these valuable bird colonies are exposed to numerous threats, both from predators and humans.

It is worth adding that the middle and lower sections of the Vistula, thanks to their natural character, are considered one of the most important refuges for river birds in Europe.

Habitat protection in practice: logging and fencing

The Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection (RDOŚ) in Warsaw has, for the second year in a row, been carrying out activities aimed at protecting breeding bird colonies on the Vistula islands located within Natura 2000 areas. What has been achieved?

In 2025, the work focused on mowing and cutting young trees and shrubs in the Middle Vistula Valley. As representatives of RDOŚ explain, the overgrowing of sandbars is highly unfavourable for ground-nesting birds because it encourages the presence of predators and thus their attacks. These include both native species such as martens and foxes, as well as invasive species such as the American mink and raccoon dog. Removing vegetation increases the chances of breeding success, as confirmed by this year’s monitoring: the number of breeding pairs of common gull and black-headed gull on the Vistula islands has already increased.

This year, conservation measures were expanded to include the installation of battery-powered electric fences. These surrounded breeding colonies, protecting nests from predators and unwanted human visits. It takes very little to disturb birds and cause them to abandon their nests, leaving their offspring at the mercy of the elements and uninvited visitors. The fact that fencing makes sense is confirmed by quad bike tyre tracks on the Vistula islands.

The RDOŚ in Warsaw assures that these measures will continue in the coming seasons, and that additional fencing is planned for purchase in 2028. Support will not be limited to the Vistula islands – tree and shrub removal will also be carried out in the Lower Bug Valley, and breeding platforms for birds will be created in fish ponds within Mazovian Natura 2000 areas.

European funds for Polish nature

The protection of breeding colonies on the Vistula islands is part of the FEnIKS project Implementation of active conservation measures in Natura 2000 areas, carried out with support from the Cohesion Fund. In Mazovia, the plan includes the protection of 7 habitat types, 3 plant species and 17 animal species, including their habitats.

The project, with a total value of over 100 million PLN, involves 13 regional directorates for environmental protection. It will run until the end of September 2029, focusing on Natura 2000 areas assessed as in unfavourable or poor condition. Priority actions, apart from securing breeding sites, include regulating water conditions, creating new water bodies, and controlling invasive species.